Court says Pitak Siam rally can proceed

The Constitution Court yesterday rejected three petitions filed against the Pitak Siam group seeking to block its anti-government protest tomorrow, according to a court spokesman.

The court found no grounds to believe that the rally was aimed at overthrowing the country's democratic system of government, as had been claimed by the petitioners, said chief spokesman Pimol Thampitakpong.

"It was found that the protest targets the government only. There are no grounds to support the claim that the protest is aimed at overthrowing the democratic system. So the court rejected the petitions," the spokesman said.

The court would welcome future petitions if complainants have further evidence to support their claims against Pitak Siam, the spokesman said.

The decision came after seven court judges heard from two lawyers representing the Pitak Siam leader, retired General Boonlert Kaewprasit. The court was told that Boonlert did not say he wanted to "freeze the country", as had been reported, rather that he called for "freezing corrupt politicians" to prevent them from running the country for five years.

The court's two other judges were on leave.

The petitions were filed separately by former senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, lawyer Nuengdin Vimuttanant and Pheu Thai Party member Singthong Buachum.